Tulips Fields in the Netherlands (and Visiting Keukenhof)
If you asked me Iād say the three unofficial symbols of the Netherlands are windmills, wooden shoes, and tulips. In almost every advertisement for Holland and almost every souvenir shop IN Holland I swear youāll find one if not all three of those things! š When it comes to seeing those three “symbols” in real lifeā¦.. The windmills and wooden shoes you can find at any time of year. The tulips, however, are only in bloom for a short two months! And if at all possible, it’s during those two precious months (mid March to mid May) that I recommend visiting the tulips fields in the Netherlands. This is how I’d suggest making all your tulip dreams come true while you’re there š:
Start in Amsterdam
No trip to the Netherlands is complete without a stop in Amsterdam. And with a great international airport and well connected train system, it’s likely you’ll find yourself there as you make your way to the country.
In Amsterdam itself you’ll find a few tulips around the city in a few small gardens and planter boxes here and there. It’s in a little town outside of Amsterdam where you’ll find the real magic.
Lisse and Keukenhof
The town is called Lisse and it’s home to Keukenhof (also known as the Garden of Europe) which is a maintained garden with acres and acres of the most beautiful flowers you could ever imagine. No matter where you’re staying in Amsterdam Keukenhof is easy to get to by public transportation. I mean, there’s literally direct shuttles to and from the garden! In my personal experience, my parents and I took the shuttle from the airport and we were able to buy tickets for transportation and entry into Keukenhof at a souvenir shop right at the airport as well. (If I’m not mistaken, numerous shops around Amsterdam sell these tickets. You won’t have a problem finding them.)
Whichever bus you decide to take, my recommendation is to get in line early and plan on being on the first one of the morning. The sooner you get to Keukenhof the longer you’ll have to enjoy it before it gets crowded. I’d say to plan on spending about 3-4 hours exploring the garden (it’s HUGE, remember?) and when you’re ready to leave, a shuttle will take you right back to where you started. Super easy!
Bike Riding
It’s the second day of flower admiring that might be my favorite. As before take the shuttle to Keukenhof. (But don’t buy the ticket to go inside! You just need the shuttle on this day). Right in the parking lot of Keukenhof is a bike rental shop. Rent a bike for the day and ride around town exploring all the tulip fields in the area. šØSpoiler alertšØ: They will BLOW your mind! The bike rental place will give you a map so you’ll know where to find the flower fields. But the route is so clearly marked that you shouldn’t have any problems finding your way.
*** I’ll say this about bike riding around the flower fields in the Netherlands… I’ve been blessed to take some pretty epic trips and enjoy some pretty incredible experiences and this is hands down in my list of top 5 coolest travel experiences. For what it’s worth.*** š
Aaaaannnd I think that sums it up! It’s super easy to figure out when you’re there. I promise! And I have no doubt you’ll have the time of your life. š Here’s what you can expect to see on your visit.
Keukenhof:
Bike Riding:
Happy tulip season and safe travels friends. āŗ
CE
